"HoustonRunner" (houstonrunner)
07/21/2019 at 16:13 • Filed to: None
9
9|
"HoustonRunner" (houstonrunner)
07/21/2019 at 16:13 • Filed to: None | 9
| 9 |
Imagine you are back in the ‘80s. You need a cigarette. You can’t be bothered to fiddle with the key, so your cigarette lighter in your car needs to have power ALL THE TIME.
( Full disclosure : I bought a used 1988 BMW 535i. The Bavarians put a non-switched cigarette lighter in it originally, and I decided I don’t need it since I don’t smoke. )
Not the biggest project I’ll undertake on the E28, but I decided I wanted some USB power. I could have just bought an adapter, but since the inside of the socket looked pretty bad, I assumed the connection wouldn’t be good so I decided to replace it completely.
Before doing anything, I tested the leads (which were in good shape) and figured out it had power regardless of key position. With that I had two options - find another switched power source, or find a replacement with a switch.
Amazon to the rescue. I found this switched dual USB outlet, and the included power lead even has an in line 10A fuse. The circuit overall is on a 25A fuse, so I think that will work out.
I’m still not great at taking pictures along the way, so I only have after pictures.
Here is is Off.
Here is is On.
Pretty happy overall, and I didn’t have to modify the socket at all. The old socket was glued in, and it pulled off without damaging the rest of the brittle plastic around it. The new one is threaded and has a plastic nut that secured it in place.
farscythe - makin da cawfee!
> HoustonRunner
07/21/2019 at 16:20 |
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Adding complexity to a bimmer?
You are an interesting person
RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
> HoustonRunner
07/21/2019 at 16:26 |
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That’s actually a nice little socket!
Tareim - V8 powered
> HoustonRunner
07/21/2019 at 16:26 |
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nice and tidy install
Brickman
> HoustonRunner
07/21/2019 at 16:34 |
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Ooo it has a power switch! I have to remove mine from the S10 as it does not turn off when the ignition is off.
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HoustonRunner
> farscythe - makin da cawfee!
07/21/2019 at 16:34 |
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Not what my kids say (about being interesting).
I thought about it, but since the install was really straightforward I can take it out of the loop really easily if needed.
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HoustonRunner
> Brickman
07/21/2019 at 16:40 |
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Yep, I didn’t even know it existed before I started browsing Amazon.
facw
> HoustonRunner
07/21/2019 at 16:42 |
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Power button is an interesting feature. Would the install be easy to switch if you can find one that has quick charge? Had to swap out the USB adapter in my car because the old one couldn’t keep up with the phone when navigating.
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farscythe - makin da cawfee!
> HoustonRunner
07/21/2019 at 16:45 |
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Tbh I don’t think any kid thinks their parents are interesting
They work that out once you're ancient,dead or never
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HoustonRunner
> facw
07/21/2019 at 16:55 |
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Definitely would be an easy swap. I didn’t try hard to find quick charge - for one my phone is a Pixel, so I need USB PD; also I don’t think I’ll need it that much, this is my tool around on the weekend car.